Nairobi Matatu Routes 2026: All 133+ Routes, Stages, Fares & SACCOs

Nairobi is a busy city with many people, businesses, and roads. If you are new to the city, it is easy to get lost. The best way to move around is by using matatus, which take millions of passengers every day to different parts of Nairobi and beyond.

If you are new in town, you should learn about matatu routes and where to board them. The matatu industry has changed over time, and most routes are now run by different saccos. Each matatu has a route number that shows where it is going. Learning these routes will help you get to your destination quickly and easily.

The Nairobi Matatu System

Without matatus, Nairobi comes to a standstill. This often happens during matatu strikes or protests. The entire system of matatu stages in Nairobi may seem chaotic at first, but it actually follows a clear structure. Many of the current routes were created during the Stagecoach era and still carry the same numbers.

The routes are grouped in lettered lines (A to Z), each covering specific destinations. Matatus from different routes operate from various stages within the Central Business District (CBD) or major terminals like Railways, Kencom, OTC, or Ambassador. The matatu SACCOs in Kenya also ensure that all passengers navigate from one point to another with ease.

New Matatu Termini 2026

Matatus operating within the Nairobi CBD are required to terminate their journeys outside the city. This is part of the government’s effort to decongest the CBD and improve traffic flow. Here is a summary of the new matatu termini as of 2026 and the routes affected:

Routes Served	New Terminus	Location
Route 111 (Ngong), Route 24 (Karen), Route 125 (Rongai), Route 126 (Kiserian), Lang’ata Road routes, Argwings Kodhek Road routes	Green Park Terminus	Former Lunar Park site, off Uhuru Highway near Railways
Long-distance PSVs from Mt Kenya region (Nyeri, Karatina, Embu routes)	Desai and Park Road Termini	Desai Road and Park Road junction, Eastlands
Matatus plying Jogoo Road, Eastlands routes (Donholm, Kayole, Umoja)	Muthurwa Market Terminus	Along Landhies Road, Muthurwa area
Mombasa Road routes (South B, South C, Industrial Area, Imara Daima, Athi River, Kitengela, Machakos)	Bunyala and Workshop Roads Terminus	Junction of Bunyala Road and Workshop Road, Industrial Area

All Nairobi Matatu Routes and Stages

Nairobi’s matatu network is organized into alphabetical route lines, making it easier for commuters to identify their destination. Below is the most comprehensive breakdown of all matatu routes currently operational in the city. Each line represents a distinct network of routes serving specific areas of Nairobi and its environs.

A Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
100	Kiambu
120	Githunguri
121	Ndumberi

B Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
17B	Mwiki
25	Baba Ndogo
25A	Lucky Summer
29/30	Mathare North
43	Ngumba
44	Kahawa West
45	Githurai
49	Sunton
145	Ruiru Town

C Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
6	Eastleigh
14	Kariobangi North
17A	Roundabout – Kayole
17AKY	Eastleigh – Kayole
18C	Komarock Roundabout – Eastleigh
31	Gikomba – Dandora
32	Dandora
46	Huruma
37/38	Roundabout – Ruai

D Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
10	Maringo
23	Kariobangi South
26	Kariobangi North
36	Dandora
58	Buruburu

E Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
35/60	Umoja
38/39	Ruai
19C2	Umoja/Donholm – Komarock

F Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
17B	Muthurwa – Mwiki
19C	Komarock
34B	Jacaranda
1960	Kayole
1961C	Kayole
1961CK	Caltex – Kayole

G Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
33F	Fedha Estate
33PJ	Pipeline Jogoo
33PM	Pipeline Mombasa
34	JKIA
70/71	Lunga Lunga

H Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
12C	South C
12D	KPA
33	Utawala
110ATH	Athi River
110KIT	Kitengela

I Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
14A	Strathmore
14B	Deep West
15	Langata
16	Highrise
34	Nairobi Hospital – Kenyatta
125	Rongai
126	Kiserian

J Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
7C	KNH
8	Kibera
24	Karen
24C	Hardy
32	Ayani
33	Ngumo
111	Ngong

K Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
2	Dagoretti
4W	Kaberia
102	Kikuyu

L Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
46	Kawangware
46	Yaya

M Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
48	Othaya
48A	Lavington
48B	Othaya

N Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
22	Uthiru
23	Kangemi
30	Uthiru
105	Kikuyu
115	Limuru

O Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
118	Wangige
119	Wangige
103	Nakumatt – Wangige
11B	Banana

P Line Routes

Route Number	Destination
11A	Highridge
11F	Ruaka
106	Banana
107	Ndenderu
116	Limuru

Z Line Routes (Mixed Routes)

Route Number	Destination
48	Westlands – Kawangware
48C	Westlands – Yaya
69	City Stadium – GM
108	Redhill – Gasolina
110AK	Athi River – Kitengela
1	Karen – Dagoretti
6	Rikana – Joster
11	Hazina
20	Mama Lucy – Mwiki
24	Bomas – Dagoretti
33	Ngumo – South B
107D	Ruaka – Marurui
42	Allsops – Dandora
129	Wangige – Kikuyu
239	Ruiru – Thika
405	City Stadium – Nyayo

Major Matatu Stages in Nairobi

Knowing where to board your matatu is just as important as knowing the route number. Nairobi has several major matatu stages strategically located throughout the CBD. Each stage serves specific routes and destinations.

Railways Terminus

One of Nairobi’s oldest and most iconic matatu stages, Railways Terminus is located along Haile Selassie Avenue opposite the former Cooperative Bank building. This busy terminus primarily serves routes heading to the southern and southwestern parts of Nairobi, including Ngong, Karen, Rongai, Kitengela, Kiserian, Kikuyu, Kawangware, and Kibera.

Kencom Stage

Situated on City Hall Way outside Kencom House, this stage is a major hub for matatus heading to western Nairobi suburbs. Routes from Kencom serve areas like Riruta, parts of Kibera, and various destinations along Ngong Road.

OTC (Open Trade Center)

Located on Haile Selassie Avenue, OTC is the go-to stage for commuters traveling to Eastlands. From here, you can catch matatus to Buru Buru, Donholm, Pipeline, Kayole, Komarock, Dandora, and Umoja estates.

Odeon/Koja Stage

Found on Moi Avenue, this stage serves the northern corridor routes including Juja, Ruiru, Kahawa, Githurai, and Kenyatta University. It’s particularly busy during rush hours as it connects to major residential areas north of the city.

Afya Centre Stage

Located on Aga Khan Road, Afya Centre primarily serves Upper Hill and Kilimani areas. This stage is crucial for those working or living in these upscale neighborhoods.

Ambassador/Archives Stage

Situated near the National Archives on Moi Avenue, this stage offers multiple route options to Upper Hill, Kilimani, Kawangware, Kenyatta Hospital, and surrounding areas.

Prominent Matatu SACCOs in Nairobi

Several well-established SACCOs operate Nairobi’s matatu routes, each with its reputation for service quality, safety, and reliability. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

Super Metro

Widely regarded as one of the best matatu SACCOs in Kenya, Super Metro operates modern, WiFi-enabled buses on various routes including Thika Road, Ngong Road, and recently expanded to Juja and other corridors. Known for excellent customer service and adherence to traffic rules.

Citi Hoppa

A pioneer in organized public transport, Citi Hoppa operates distinctive green buses across multiple Nairobi routes. They’re known for maintaining schedules and offering a more comfortable commuting experience.

Double M

Operating primarily on the Thika Road corridor, Double M is known for its reliable service and good condition vehicles. They serve routes to Ruiru, Juja, and Githurai areas.

Compliant MOA

This SACCO operates on various routes and is recognized for maintaining vehicle standards and following traffic regulations. They serve multiple destinations across the city.

NACICO

The National City Commuter Services operates on several routes and is known for affordable fares and widespread coverage across the city.

Kenya Mpya

Serving long-distance routes as well as Nairobi suburbs, Kenya Mpya is known for comfortable buses and reliable schedules.

Matatu Fares in Nairobi (2026)

Matatu fares in Nairobi vary depending on the distance traveled, time of day, and specific route. Here’s a general guide to help you budget for your commute:

Short Distance Fares (Within CBD)

Ksh 30 – Ksh 50

Medium Distance Fares (CBD to nearby estates)

• Eastlands areas (Umoja, Donholm, Kayole): Ksh 50 – Ksh 80
• Westlands areas (Kikuyu, Riruta): Ksh 60 – Ksh 100
• Northern routes (Kasarani, Githurai): Ksh 60 – Ksh 100
• Southern routes (South B, South C): Ksh 50 – Ksh 70

Long Distance Fares (CBD to outer suburbs)

• Ngong: Ksh 80 – Ksh 100
• Rongai: Ksh 100 – Ksh 150
• Kitengela: Ksh 150 – Ksh 200
• Ruiru/Juja: Ksh 80 – Ksh 120
• Thika: Ksh 150 – Ksh 200
• Kikuyu: Ksh 80 – Ksh 100

Note: Fares typically increase during peak hours (morning and evening rush) and may vary between different SACCOs and vehicle types. Premium services like Super Metro may charge slightly higher fares but offer better comfort and amenities.

FAQs About Nairobi Matatu Routes